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Difference Between Hoe Cakes and Johnny Cakes

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Best Hoe Cakes and Johnny Cakes Guide in December 2025

1 Kodiak, Power Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Mix, 20 Ounce

Kodiak, Power Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Mix, 20 Ounce

  • BOOST ENERGY WITH 14G PROTEIN AND WHOLE GRAINS PER SERVING!
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Kodiak, Power Cakes Flapjack and Waffle Mix, 20 Ounce
2 Great River Milling Organic Medium Grind Cornmeal | USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher | Hearty Texture for Cornbread, Polenta, Muffins, Pancakes & Baking | 5 Lb

Great River Milling Organic Medium Grind Cornmeal | USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher | Hearty Texture for Cornbread, Polenta, Muffins, Pancakes & Baking | 5 Lb

  • BOLD CORN FLAVOR: PERFECT FOR CORNBREAD, PANCAKES, AND HEARTY TREATS!

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$24.99
Great River Milling Organic Medium Grind Cornmeal | USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher | Hearty Texture for Cornbread, Polenta, Muffins, Pancakes & Baking | 5 Lb
3 Mrs. Butterworth's Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 oz

Mrs. Butterworth's Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 oz

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$2.96
Mrs. Butterworth's Complete Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 oz
4 Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix, Thanksgiving Baking, 16 oz.

Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix, Thanksgiving Baking, 16 oz.

  • BUTTERY MIX FOR MOIST CORNBREAD AND MUFFINS EVERY TIME!
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$2.87
Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix, Thanksgiving Baking, 16 oz.
5 De Wafelbakkers Pancake, Buttermilk, 24 Oz

De Wafelbakkers Pancake, Buttermilk, 24 Oz

  • QUICK AND EASY PREP FOR BUSY MORNINGS!
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$3.62
De Wafelbakkers Pancake, Buttermilk, 24 Oz
6 Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 Ounce

Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 Ounce

  • EFFORTLESS PANCAKE PREP-JUST ADD WATER FOR QUICK MEALS!
  • START YOUR DAY TASTY WITH WARM, FLUFFY PANCAKES!
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$5.27
Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix, 32 Ounce
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Hoe cakes and johnnycakes are both traditional types of cornmeal-based pancakes, but they have some differences in their origins, preparation, and regional variations.

Hoe Cakes:

  • Origins: Hoe cakes trace their origins back to Native American and African American cooking. The name "hoe cake" is believed to come from the fact that they were historically cooked on the flat blade of a garden hoe over an open flame or hot coals.
  • Ingredients: Hoe cakes are typically made from a simple batter consisting of cornmeal, water or milk, salt, and sometimes a little sugar. The batter is then fried on a griddle or in a skillet with a small amount of fat or oil.
  • Texture: Hoe cakes have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, similar to a pancake or a cornbread fritter.
  • Region: Hoe cakes are often associated with Southern cuisine in the United States, particularly in the Carolinas and Virginia.

Johnnycakes (also known as Jonnycakes or Journey Cakes):

  • Origins: Johnnycakes are thought to have originated with the Indigenous people of North America and were later adopted by European settlers. The name "johnnycake" is believed to have been derived from "journey cake," as they were a portable and durable food for travelers.
  • Ingredients: Johnnycakes are made from a batter similar to hoe cakes, typically consisting of cornmeal, water or milk, salt, and occasionally some fat, such as butter or lard.
  • Texture: Johnnycakes have a thinner, flatter shape compared to hoe cakes and often have a crispier texture due to their thinner composition.
  • Region: Johnnycakes have a broader regional presence, associated with various parts of the United States, particularly New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and parts of the Midwest.

While both hoe cakes and johnnycakes share some similarities, their names and regional associations reflect the cultural diversity and culinary adaptations that have occurred throughout American history. Today, you may find variations of these cornmeal-based pancakes with different ingredients and preparation methods depending on the region and family traditions.